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Double-coated tapes, custom tapes, transfer adhesive tapes, foam tapes, and foil tapes are only a sample of the various types of tapes available for residential, commercial, and industrial use. Tapes come in numerous materials, sizes, colors, and strengths to compliment any type of situation or application. Generally, tape is used to seal, bind, mask, or reinforce one or more materials separately or together.

Double-coated tapes have an adhesive component both on the front and on the back of the tape allowing for the bonding of two materials. This type of tape generally works best when one adhesive side is stripped of its protective covering and first bonded to one surface, then the second side stripped of its protective covering and bonded to the secondary surface. Usually manufactured from paper, film, or tissue, double-coated tapes add stability to the adhesive for easier handling and application.

Transfer adhesive tapes are a strong, thin, invisible double-coated tape with a paper liner covering one side and as the tape is applied to a surface the paper liner is automatically removed. Transfer adhesive tapes are popularly used to bond an unstable surface to a stable supported surface.

Foam tapes are highly desired for their protective, cushioning, and insulating properties. Foam tapes are able to withstand elements that would be destructive to other adhesives. Urethane and vinyl are the two most common types of foam tape in use today. Urethane foam tapes add a protective seal to a surface by sealing out air, dust, and light when compressed up to fifty percent. Vinyl foam tapes add a protective seal, as well, but only handle up to thirty percent compression.

Foil tapes are most commonly made with aluminum and are used to seal materials that must withstand high temperatures, moisture, various weather conditions, or chemicals. Foil tapes are commonly used in homes to seal heating ducts, and can also be commonly used in aircraft. The thicker the foil tape, the better the extreme conditions it will withstand before degrading.

Colored tapes are popular for home use when wrapping presents and scrap-booking. Commercial companies use colored tapes because it is capable of being used as a marker, and it won’t show through on faxes. Colored tapes are useful in various industrial applications as well.

Tape is a product that has many useful applications. Whether being used in our homes or in a semiconductor plant, all tapes have benefits when applied properly. Correctly purchasing the proper tape for an application will make any project go more smoothly.